Cards getting close, but not there yet

With the return of DeVante Parker, the Louisville offense is finally starting to click. It’s not a well-oiled machine, but the signs are there that the Cards are getting close.

After not playing the first seven games of the season, Parker’s impact was immediate against NC State. The senior receiver took a quick slant 37 yards on the opening drive, which later set up a touchdown pass from Will Gardner to Eli Rogers.

On just nine receptions, Parker would rack up 132 yards. By comparison, the rest of the UofL receivers caught 11 passes for just 71 yards.

In the rushing game, it was Michael Dyer’s turn to step up and tote the rock. The senior running back, after being nearly invisible in the first half of the season, ran for 173 yards and a touchdown.

As for the quarterback, Will Gardner had a nice outing. It was obvious the presence of DeVante Parker made things easier for the sophomore QB, and that’s OK. Gardner did miss on a couple throws, but that’s to be expected for a gunslinger still trying to find his legs.

Looking at the rest of the team, there wasn’t much to say about the offensive line, but that’s a good thing. This is a unit that’s been plagued by penalties and poor play, and that wasn’t the case against the Wolfpack. On defense, the Cards gave up more yards and points than usual, but much of it came in garbage time.

Louisville is 6-2 and bowl eligible. In order to win against Florida State in a few weeks, they’ll need to be sharper. But entering a well-deserved bye week, the Cards are moving in the right direction.